Page 162 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Switzerland

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SCHWEIZERISCHES

NATIONALMUSEUM

EXPERIENCE Zürich ∑ nationalmuseum.ch
 C1 ⌂ Museumstrasse 2 # 10am–5pm Tue–Sun (to 7pm Thu)
Housed in an 1898 fairytale mansion and an adjoining contemporary
wing on the banks of the River Limmat, the Swiss National Museum’s
eclectic collections take visitors on a time-travelling turn through the
highlights of Switzerland’s history.
The collections of the Swiss National Museum
illustrate the country’s history and culture
from prehistoric times to the present day. The
museum has outposts at various locations
around the country – the Château de Prangins
in Vaud and the Forum of Swiss History in
Schwyz – but its headquarters are in Zürich,
which have the largest collection of objects
illustrating the cultural history of Switzerland.
Highlights include artifacts from Switzerland’s
rich archaeological past, displays of costumes
and Swiss handicrafts. A wing of exposed
concrete, connected to the original 1898
building and designed by Swiss architects
Christ & Gantenbein, opened in 2016. This
striking, angular edifice houses a permanent
collection of Swiss archaeology, temporary
exhibition spaces, a library and an auditorium.
Parts of the museum are closed for
renovation until 2020, and the location of
exhibits is likely to change. Visitors are advised
to check the website or call the museum for
up-to-date information.

The stark exterior of the
A globe by Jost Bürgi (1552–1632), museum’s 2016 extension,
one of the scientific instruments and the exhibition “Ideas
on display at the museum of Switzerland” (inset)
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